This move is perfect for whittling down love handles, that layer of fat around your midsection. These crunches will work the obliques – the long muscles that run alongside your torso – as well as the upper abs. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Lie on your side on a mat with your knees bent and angled toward one side. Place one hand behind your head, the other on your torso.
Step 2: Look up at the ceiling, tighten your abs and breathe slowly as you crunch up through a count of 10 seconds.
Step 3: Hold and squeeze for 2 seconds at the maximum tension point.
Step 4: Maintain tension in your obliques as you lower yourself to the starting position through a count of 10 seconds.
Step 5: Without resting, repeat once more on this side and then switch sides and complete 2 more reps for a total of 4.